RMD calculations for IRA and 401k

and a ROTH. I would like to figure out what my total RMD is so that I can decide which account(s) to take it from. There are some that are doing better than others and I'd rather not have the distribution done across all of them.

The rules do not allow what you propose.

1. RMDs are not required for Roth IRAs. You can leave the account alone who withdraw any amount you want at any time. The Roth IRA stands by itself. Any distribution is not an RMD.

1. You can't mix and match your traditional IRA with your qualified retirement plans such as a 401K. Therefore, you must compute the RMD for your traditional IRA and distribute it from that IRA.

2. Assuming the 401K plans are with different employers, you must compute an RMD for each plan and you must take that RMD from each plan.

and a ROTH. I would like to figure out what my total RMD is so that I can decide which account(s) to take it from. There are some that are doing better than others and I'd rather not have the distribution done across all of them.

I'd like to add a few thoughts to Alan's answer (which was correct). Have you given any thought to rolling over the 401(k) accounts into the IRA? This would create a "one RMD" scenario for you, which may make the paperwork easier.

Next, the RMD from IRAs does not need to force a sale. You can request the RMD be made "in kind," in other words, a $5000 RMD is satisfied by transferring $5000 in stock value to your non-retirement account. It takes on a basis as of the transfer date's value, which is the same value that is reported as withdrawn for the RMD.

Last - If you happen to find your taxable income (that specific line on the return) has just a bit of room till you hit the next tax bracket, you might consider a partial Roth conversion. This strategy suggests you convert from Traditional IRA to Roth, just enough to 'top off' the current bracket. I've used this strategy to top off my mother in law's

Can a traditional IRA to Roth IRA conversion count as the RMD?

No. The RMD has to be withdrawn from the IRA and put into a non-retirement account (or spent, obviously).

If one converts some Traditional IRA money to Roth, and then recharacterizes any of it, the recharacterized amount is added back for purposes of doing the math for the year's RMD.

and a ROTH. I would like to figure out what my total RMD is so that I can decide which account(s) to take it from.

One point that hasn't been mentioned. Since you've entered your "70 1/2 year" you cannot roll the 2013 RMD's from the 401(k)'s into an IRA. Unlike IRAs, the onus is on the plan to calculate and distribute the RMD. You can roll any remaining amount into an IRA if you like.

Phil Marti VITA/TCE Volunteer

and a ROTH.  I would like to figure out what my total RMD is so that I can decide which account(s) to take it from.  There are some that are doing better than others and I'd rather not have the distribution done across all of them.

Thank you everyone.